Modern Cat Fall/Winter 2017

cat

Find Out How Cats Think & Which Emotions They Experience p62

The lifestyle magazine for modern cats and their companions

FALL· WINTER 2017/18

MEET A PRO KITTEN RESCUER!

COMPULSIVE CAT BEHAVIOUR?

HERE’S HOW TO FIX IT! P24

p34

Publications Agreement Number 42496543 Return Mail Dept, 202–343 Railway St., Vancouver, BC V6A 1A4

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Weird Cat Behaviours Explained! moderncat.com DISPLAY UNTIL JAN 31 ‘17

$5.95

Kitten Lady Has The Coolest Job Ever p42

Mick won the cover!

Reclaiming “Cat Lady”

AWESOME GIVEAWAYS! NATURAL ANXIETY REMEDY KITTEN BJÖRNS: THE CUTEST INVENTION EVER GET YOUR FREAK ON! TOYS TO DELIGHT YOUR CAT

p32

DIY Braided Cat Collar

Plus! Cat-tastic Décor: Problem-Solving Finds to Thrill Both You and Your Cat

EDITOR'S LETTER

CONNIE WILSON WITH DAO DAO, PHOTO TANYA KING

OUR R E ADE R S WR IT E

“Here is Adelaide! Love the magazine for all the cute pictures and really informative/helpful articles!”—Dani Gojan

W

e’re so excited to share the new Fall/Winter issue of Modern Cat with you! We filled it with all of our favourite things, from toys designed to engage and delight your cat to problem-solving, beautiful interior design finds made specifically for cat people. Behavioural expert Mieshelle Nagelschneider explains how to deal with compulsive behaviour in cats (p 24), we get to the bottom of litter box problems (incidentally, the #1 reason cats are surrendered; p 50), and talk to some of the coolest cat lovers out there. “Kitten Lady” Hannah Shaw shares how she became a professional kitten rescuer, along with tips on how to help orphan kittens; we take a look at the people—men and women—who are changing the outdated stereotypes surrounding cat ladies and cat lovers; and, of course, we’ve packed the issue with tons of cat photos guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

If you’re looking to better understand your cat and improve your life together, this is the magazine for you. This time of year was just made for curling up with a cat, so settle in and enjoy a good read and a cuddle session—your cat’s purrs, after all, could be improving your health! (p 76).

“This is my rescue cat, Frankie. I would like him to be featured in Modern Cat. This publication honors cats and contains very useful information. As an avid reader and cat lover, I look to Modern Cat for new ideas and more ways to spoil Frankie. He means so much to me!”—Jennifer Wilkins

With gratitude,

Connie Wilson, Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief

There is a single magic, a single power, a single salvation, and a single happiness, and that is called loving. — Hermann Hesse 6 moderncat

F AL L · WINTER 2017/ 18

“My little Snickers passed away in June.

He will forever be in our hearts. He was found as a small kitten in the rain by a trucker at a local pet food shop and we fell in love at first sight. He will forever leave paw prints on our hearts. We love Modern Cat for featuring cats and all the great ideas and articles.”—Stacy Schneider

cat

C ON TRIBUT OR S

F A L L · W I N T E R 2 0 1 7 / 1 8

Ryan Garcia is a freelance illustrator currently living and working in Toronto, Canada. His work can be seen in the pages of Scientific American, WIRED, and the Wall Street Journal. When he’s not glued to his art desk, Ryan enjoys reading, drinking coffee, and playing with his roommate’s cat Ginger. Most recently he was awarded Bronze in 3x3’s prestigious Professional-Illustration Annual competition. Flip to page 42 to see Ryan’s illustration in this issue exploring the reclamation of the “cat lady” label (minus the “crazy” part!), and find more of his work at ryangarcia.ca.

VOL 6 NO 2 Publisher

Modern Cat Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek

Design & Production

Clara To

Circulation & Audience Development Coordinator

Jennifer Yau

Sales & Marketing

Mariah Stanley, Kevin Lee Manager, Accounting Services

Celine Benipayo

Copywriter & Administrative Assistant

Laura Dennis

Subscriptions & Social Media Assistant

Eleanor Munk

Social Media & Editorial Intern

Jacqueline de Ruiter

Sales & Marketing Intern

Rachel Sibayan Controller

Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA

Paola Paladini, an Argentinean-born pet photographer living in Fort Lauderdale, has been a photographer for almost 10 years. But it wasn’t until 2013 that she started dedicating her photography skills to help homeless animals and her love of pet photography was born. Paola shares her life with her husband and her two rescues, Reno and Lu, and is an active volunteer for many Southern Florida rescues and a member of Hearts Speak. Flip to page 68 to check out Paola’s super-charming photos of our Star Cat contest winners, Brian and Cane, and see more of Paola’s terrific work at paolapaladini.com.

Honourary Editor-at-Large

Jytte Wilson

INTERESTED IN SUBSCRIBING? Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderncat.com/subscribe Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 6, Issue 2.

Published semi annually by Modern Cat Inc. at Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Cat, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 In USA: MODERNCAT (ISSN 1929-3933) Volume 6, Issue 1. Published semi annually

by Modern Cat Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003.

Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

PHONE

(604) 734-3131

OR TOLL FREE

Kristina Stephens is an ultimate DIY-er, and can figure out for herself how to do almost anything. Whether it’s making her own pet products, decorating a cake into an exact likeness of Drake, or even installing a kitchen sink, Kristina can do it all! See some of her adorable pet collar designs at etsy.com/ca/shop/SoFetchPet, or make one of her designs yourself with her DIY braided collar instructions on page 32!

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FAX

(866) 734-3131

(604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031

The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements.

Copyright 2017 by Modern Cat Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Cat and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Cat Inc. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Cat Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4

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STUFF WE LOVE Modern Cat staffers’ picks of the litter BM

1 I’m a sucker for anything with a cat on it, so I love the wide variety of products in the Laurel Burch collection from My Three Cats. Clothing, accessories, and jewellery all come emblazoned with the colourful and eye-catching artwork of Laurel Burch.

Living in the rainy Pacific Northwest, I especially love the Fuchsia Whiskered Cat Umbrella.

—Jen ($25, mythreecats.com)

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2 Is your cat bored? Not with Shru! Shru automatically responds to your cat’s play by mimicking a small animal’s erratic movements and sounds. It turns on and off automatically throughout the day to keep your cat entertained while you’re away, and is rechargeable by USB!—Rachel ($98, pdxpetdesign.com) 3 My least favourite part about dealing with the litter box—aside from the obvious— is lugging heavy tubs and trying to get all of the litter IN the box. The packaging of Cats Incredible’s awesome litter is a game-changer and a back-saver! With the easy pouring spout and two handles, changing the litter is finally a breeze.—Laura ($17, LucyPetProducts.com)

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4 My cat friend Matilda loves Grizzly Super Foods by Grizzly Pet Products! Made with wild Alaskan salmon, organic coconut meal, and sprouted organic quinoa, this grain-free food is packed with essential amino acids. It is sure to improve even the crankiest cat’s mood!—Eleanor ($28, grizzlypetproducts.com) 5 This Catnip Spray from Meowijuana is so much easier than traditional catnip! My cats, Jack and Jamie, get bored with their old catnip toys when the ‘nip inside dries up. This spray gives a fresh boost to their favourite stuff. With just one spritz, my cats were fighting over all the old toys like a couple of monkeys!—Clara ($14, meowijuana.com)

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6 Sometimes brooms just don’t cut it! When cat hair seems to be absolutely everywhere, I reach for the Miele Classic C1 Cat & Dog vacuum. The Active AirClean filtration system helps control odour and it’s super quiet so it won’t scare the cats! —C0nnie ($600, MieleUsa.com) 7 Feel great about giving your cats Fruitables Wildly Natural salmon cat treats. Made of natural, limited ingredients, your cat will go crazy for the flavour of wild-caught salmon. And you’ll love that they contain no wheat, soy or corn!—Jennifer (From $3, fruitablespetfood.com) 8 I always felt guilty when I had to put the litter, bag and all, into the garbage after scooping up after my family’s two cats. So when I found BioDOGradable Bags’ Compostable Cat Litter Bags, scooping the litter five times a week got a bit easier! The bags are a perfect size for scooping into, and I can put the bag right into my compost bin to biodegrade—guilt free!

—Mariah ($15, biodegradabledogbags.com) 9 My two cats love to sleep, scratch, and share the Simple Sleeper from Molly and Friends. This two-tier tree features both a flat surface bed mounted on a sisal pole (perfect for scratching), and a lower cozy cradle. With a variety of carpet colours available, it’s sure to match any décor!—Kevin ($99, MollyAndFriends.com) 10 Ever wonder what your kitty is doing while you’re at work or out of town? With Pet-Peeps’ Indoor PetCam Pro, you can check out what your cats are up to and even talk to them—this HD camera has a built-in speaker and mic, too! Did your cat do something super-cute or funny while nobody was home? It has an SD card slot as well, so you can record your cat’s shenanigans and watch it back.—Celine ($150, pet-peeps.com)

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11 My cat Grace has a tendency to be quite picky; not true with Purebites—she LOVES these treats! Made with protein sourced from the US and New Zealand, I feel great about giving Grace her favourite treats. I’ve even used them to help her learn to trust new people. With Purebites on hand, she no longer runs and hides the moment someone new walks in the house! Highly recommended.—Jacqueline (From $3, purebites.com)

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PHOTO NATE S. RHODES.

“Jake in the Ballroom at Ayrshire Farm,” Andrew White (Louth, England 1968-), oil on canvas.

THE CAT AS MUSE Gorgeous new “CATologue” illustrates the many ways our feline friends have inspired artists, writers, and thinkers

I

t’s entirely possible to inadvertently while away hours flipping through this fascinating love letter to cats. Caticons: 4,000 Years of Art Imitating Cats, lovingly compiled by Sandy Lerner, chronicles the influence of felines on art, literature, and music, both globally and throughout history. This image-rich book is a compendium of artworks, quotes, and musings on cats, featuring a gorgeous array of cat-themed art, such as a Japanese fan on gouache dating from the 1920’s that features delicately rendered kittens frolicking with a ribbon, to Romantic cat portraiture, like “A Cat in a Looking Glass,” painted

by Austrian artist Carl Kahler. The beautifully assembled “CATologue” charts the fascinating ways in which cats have inspired and enchanted artists throughout generations.

Interspersed with literary segments that pay homage to fabulous felines, this lovely collection not only provides a thorough historical perspective on the influence of the cat in society and culture, but also serves as a touching ode to a companion that has captured the hearts of so many. By showing readers how cats have appeared in the eyes of artists, Caticons celebrates and pays tribute to the time-honoured relationship between cats and humanity. In the afterward, Sandy self deprecates that “as we all know, organizing cats is a fool’s goose-chase” but she has definitely risen to the challenge, creating a nuanced look at our relationships with and love for this complex and beautiful animal.

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Above, clockwise: “Le Chat,” Pablo Picasso, 20C, Spanish; “Tete de Chat,” Diego Giacometti, 20C, Swiss; Iron-red and Pawprint Spotted Porcelain Cat, 18C, Chinese

FAMILY OF BUBU SUBMITTED BY HARIYANTO

THE SCOOP

MODERN CAT POLL

Does your cat wake you up in the morning?

CAST YOUR VOTE AT MODERNCAT.COM

DNA Testing Kit For Cats BREED, ANCESTRY, GENETIC PREDISPOSITIONS, AND EVEN PERSONALITY TRAITS CAN BE DISCOVERED WITH THIS NEW FELINE DNA TESTING KIT! Feline health is determined by three main factors: nutrition, environment, and genetics. As responsible pet owners, we can do our best to control the first two but the third was decided before we even met our feline friends!

Your cat’s DNA contains more than 20,000 genes, creating a unique genetic code that is passed down from your cat’s parents, grandparents, and so on. By testing these genetics, you can get more information about breed, ancestry, physical traits, health, and potential hereditary diseases. This information is power! It can allow owners and vets to watch out, prevent or plan ahead for specific problems that may present themselves later in life.

Despite this, the field of feline genetics remains mostly unexplored by scientists.

Basepaws aims to fix this gap in knowledge. As the first cat care company focused on the building blocks of genetics, Basepaws aims to not only analyze the genetics of your cat, but to also build a database of feline genetic data that will help to make new connections and discoveries in cat health.

Basepaws CatKits help you collect your kitty’s DNA (you submit your cat’s hair follicles and cheek cells gathered with a swab) and will send you back a report detailing the findings from a sequencing machine. The report will start with breed and ancestry, tracing back your cat’s roots to different species of wild cats.

As the database grows, the results will continue to expand and be refined to include genetic predispositions for certain diseases, physical traits, and even the personality of your cat. They will also be able to use predictive algorithms to help you choose the diet and products that are most appropriate for your cat’s genetic make-up.

Once your cat has been tested by Basepaws, they will save all of the DNA markers and, as more research and data is uncovered, you will continue to receive reports about what makes your cat tick! How neat is that? You can order a kit for $95 at basepaws.com.

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MC Poll Resu lts

Who's the boss?

It's not Tony Danza...

82%

of Modern Cat readers' think that their cat is in charge.

THE SCOOP CAPTION THIS!

HAPPY CAMPERS

this!

And the winning captions from last issue are…

Campers put copies of Modern Cat to good use!

Campers at the SPCA of Texas’ Critter Camp completed some amazing projects this past summer to help shelter animals stand out and feel at home. Using the Modern Cat magazine back issues we donated, the 8 to 11-year-old campers cut and pasted images, text, and even stories from the magazines to create unique, one-of-a-kind collaged cat beds using cardboard boxes.

In small groups, campers constructed cat hideaways, complete with cat toys and bedding for maximum comfort. Using their copies of Modern Cat and Modern Dog magazines, they were able to spruce up their creations to give the adoptable kitties amazing custom furniture for their space at the shelter. The campers had a blast using the magazines to personalize their project, and the cats couldn’t have been happier!

Immediately after the cats were introduced to their new hangout spots, they curled up, made themselves comfortable, and took a swing at the built-in toys. The SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home, operating two shelters, three spay/neuter and wellness clinics and an Animal Rescue Center in the North Texas area. To learn more about the SPCA of Texas, please visit spca.org or call 214-742-SPCA (7722).

“Errr Cat-tain, we seem to be experiencing some furbulance.”

SUBMITTED BY MOET THE BLIND CAT

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS “Folks, we will be making an unscheduled stop to Cat-a-lina Island; it seems we have run out of milk.”

SUBMITTED BY MARCELO FIGUEREDO

“I know YOU have nine lives, but think about the rest of us!”

SUBMITTED BY LYNN MOORE SMITH

“You know, we really try to avoid the birds up here.”

SUBMITTED BY SUSAN ANG

“This is your Cat Tim speaking, the weather looks purrfect today, hope you enjoy our in flight magazine, Modern Cat.” SUBMITTED BY SAMANTHA SMITH

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C A R T O O N S © 2017 B Y D A V I D J A C O B S O N

PHOTO SPCA OF TEXAS/MADELINE YEAMAN

Test your "funny." Create a caption for this cartoon and submit your entry at moderncat.com/cartooncaption. The most comic captions will be published in the next issue.

ENTER TO WIN

We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways October through March. Go to moderncat.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.

october

november

1st-14th

Win 1 of 2 cat-lover prize packs from Workman Publishing.

From calendars to beautiful and informative books, this bundle is great for a gift or to keep all to yourself!

15th-31st

Win 1 of 3 Microchip Pet Feeders— It only opens for your pet! Perfect for your managing fur-kids diet or prescription medication whilst keeping food fresher for longer.

december

1st-14th

Win 1 of 10 four-pound bags of Lucy Pet Formulas For Life Cat Food with prebiotic balanced fiber that promotes a healthy gut and optimal digestive function.

15th-30th Win 1 of 5 PetCams! With a PetCam you’ll see, hear and talk to your pets from anywhere using your phone. www.Pet-Peeps.com

january

1st-14th

Win 1 of 4 Petlinks prize packs. Your cat will love the Scratch Up, electronic Rowdy Rustler toy, and Zippy Zebra & Loony Legs HyperNip toys!

15th-31st

Win 1 of 6 Rufus & Coco Litter Essentials Packs, containing award-winning high-performance Wee Kitty Clumping Corn Litter, Drawstring Litter Tray Liners, and Coco Hook-On Litter Scoop!

february

1st-14th

Win 1 of 2 SHRU toys—the intelligent cat companion. It mimics the sound and movement of prey and automatically responds to your cat, keeping kitty stimulated while you’re out!

15th-31st Win a Classic Cat Tree from Armarkat. With 2 condos, 2 ramps, 3 perches and many scratching posts, this faux fur covered tree can hold up to 4 of your favourite felines!

march

1st-14th

Win 1 of 15 Broth Bowl and Wildly Natural treats prize packs from Fruitables. Broth adds hydration and flavor to kibble and their crunchy treats drive cats wild!

15th-28th

Win 1 of 4 Basis Pet bowls and stands. 100% made in the USA, they are designed for cats and independently tested for safety.

1st-14th

Win 1 of 10 three-pound bags of Grizzly Super Foods ultrapremium cat food made from wild Alaskan salmon—NO synthetic ingredients, grains, or fillers.

15th-31st Win 1 of 6 cat trees from On2Pets and treat them to a new world of exploration! They can climb, stretch, scratch, hide or nap in this innovative tree.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning October 1, 2017 at 12:01 AM (PST) through March 31, 2018 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderncat.com/giveaways. Each biweekly giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Every two weeks, the specified number of winners for that giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderncat.com/giveaways.

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INSET PHOTO: BOO MENDES SUBMITTED BY AUTUMN

s y a w a e v i G t a Gre

R E P cat SU PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS !

E T CU Toby Penny

Nudge Dexter

Binkie

Smokey Chuchu Arnold & Bogart

Bobalou 20 moderncat

Hansel F ALL · WINTER 2017/ 18

Theodore

Popcorn

DeVere

Sammy

Myrtle Soda

Oliver

Queen Fuffy

Yoda

Zsa Zsa Catbor Buster

Sweet Georgia Blaze Brown Think your cat ought to grace the pages of Modern Cat? Upload your cat's photo at moderncat.com/photocontest.

Not only will he or she be entered to be our Cat of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!

Albert

Mochi moderncat.com

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Let your cats have some scratchin’ good fun with the gorgeously minimal Kitty Power Paws spherical scratching post.

It not only protects your décor, but the beautiful finish will fit right in, letting you enjoy your living room AND your cat’s antics! $50, PrevuePet.com

Let's play!

r u o Y Get ! n O k a e Fr

Cats go absolutely cuckoo for the life-like movement of Neko Flies’ wand toys. The springy acrylic rod paired with squirmy critters will have your cats jumping off the walls! For endless, interchangeable fun, pick up the Critter Pack with six different critters PLUS a rod! $75 for the pack or $21 for a rod and single toy, NekoFlies.com

Catnip-ify any toy with this super-cool Marinater from The Cat Daddy himself, Jackson Galaxy. Just add catnip to the base then put in kitty’s favourite toys and squeeze to infuse the toy with catnip!

Use it for a quick burst of the ‘nip or store the toys in there for long lasting fun. This works on all materials from rubber to plush. $15, Petmate.com

Delight your cat with these awesome hand-picked toys by the Modern Cat team!

You and your cat will both be mesmerized by the fluttering, catnip-infused butterflies and feathers inside the electronic Flitter Fly. A gently spinning fan moves all the pieces in an enticing way that awakens your cat’s natural hunting instinct. $30, PetLinksSystem.com

Looking for the perfect toy to please the most discerning of kitties?

Treat that classy cat to a cigar-shaped cat toy stuffed with 100% organically grown YEOWWW! Catnip.

Makes a super cute gift! $20, DuckyWorld.com

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BEHAVIOUR

COMPULSIVE DISORDERS IN CATS

How to handle your cat’s compulsive behaviour

By Mieshelle Nagelschneider, aka the Cat Whisperer

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C

ats can become frustrated and stressed for the same reasons people do—not getting something they want or not being able to do something they want to do. In response to these thwarted desires and the resulting stress, cats can develop compulsive behaviours. These compulsive responses are often based on behaviours that are already part of the cat’s natural repertoire. Over-grooming, also known as psychogenic alopecia, and chewing on or ingesting non-food items are the most common compulsive behaviours in cats. For example, some cats will over-groom or pull their fur out to help reduce the stress of their owners leaving for the day. Grooming is a natural behaviour that cats perform to alleviate moments of stress, but when the stress is too great or consistent, over-grooming can surface. Compulsive behaviours like over-grooming are abnormal because they are performed repetitively, out of context, with no apparent goal, and in ways that can sometimes be destructive to the cats themselves and the environment they live in. At The Cat Behavior Clinic, many cats I’ve worked with will lick all the fur off their stomachs leaving only a fine skimming of peach fuzz.

“The main cause of compulsive behaviour in cats is stress, especially the kind of stress that cats experience when they feel conflicted between two opposing courses of action.” An example of this kind of conflict-caused stress is your cat may both want to run away from another cat and want to confront him.

—excerpt from The Cat Whisperer

Instead of overgrooming, some cats may chew on, and even ingest, non-food items to help cope with separation anxiety, a new cat or dog in the house, or not being able to get outside to chase after the birds he sees through the window. Chewing or sucking behaviour on non-food is oftxen called “wool sucking” or “wool chewing,” but includes not just wool, but paper, cotton, plastic, and sometimes other more surprising materials. Ingesting non-food items is called “pica.” This behavior can be especially dangerous because cats can ingest entire socks and large pieces of dishtowels leading to serious health issues that can require surgery.

Besides stress, genetic predisposition can cause these compulsive behaviors to develop.

“Compulsive behaviours may also develop because a cat was weaned too early, or because he’s experiencing stress moderncat.com

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Compulsive behaviours may also develop because a cat was weaned too early, or because he’s experiencing stress in the form of general anxiety, frustration, boredom or separation anxiety—especially if the stressors recur frequently or persist over an extended period of time. in the form of general anxiety, frustration, boredom or separation anxiety—especially if the stressors recur frequently or persist over an extended period of time.”

If you allow the stress to continue in your cat’s environment, other totally unrelated stressors can set off the compulsive behaviour. In some long-term stressful situations, cats can even perform the compulsive behaviour when no stress is present.

Behaviour Strategies to Help Address Your Cat’s Stress and Compulsive Behaviour ACT QUICKLY: Compulsive behaviours are a serious matter. If you wait too long, the behaviour can be difficult to eliminate. To be sure the behaviour is not stemming from a medical issue, have your veterinarian examine your cat.

REMOVE ITEMS: If possible, make sure the non-food items your cat is chewing on or ingesting are out of reach. You will then want to replace these items with a safe substitute like food puzzles or timed feeders or other cat-friendly products. This can help focus the chewing or ingesting behaviour elsewhere.

REMOVE OR REDUCE STRESSORS: It’s very important to remove the stressors from your cat’s life whenever possible.

Sometimes certain stressors cannot be removed. Other animals in the home or you needing to leave for work each day are just two examples. In this case you can help the cat manage the stress in other ways to help eliminate the compulsive behaviour. Also, do not reprimand your cat. This can create more stress and result in the continuing of the compulsive behaviour.

STOP REINFORCING THE BEHAVIOUR: Do not give your cat any form of attention for the compulsive behaviour. If your cat is over-grooming, stop petting or talking to her to try and soothe her because you can positively reinforce the behaviour and increase the over-grooming.

OFFER PLAY THERAPY: If you see signs that your cat is about

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to the perform the behaviour, distract him by playing with him using either an interactive toy that you maneuver, or offer him a battery-operated toy. In addition to this, you also need to play with your cat twice a day. Wand toys are often one of the best choices to adequately trigger and satisfy your cat’s prey drive and reduce stress. If your cat has already begun the compulsive behaviour, do not begin playing with him at that time or you can reinforce the unwanted behaviour.

TRANSFORM YOUR CAT’S ENVIRONMENT: Add a wide array of interesting stimuli to your cat’s environment to reduce stress and minimize pent-up tension. Friendly pheromone products, food and treat puzzles, multiple feedings each day instead of only twice a day feedings, cat trees, cat scratchers, fish tanks, DVD’s made for cats, climbing frames, cat tunnels, window perches—all of these can help focus your cat on new activities and help reduce stress. An enriching environment that not only physically wears him out, but also mentally wears him out can be one of the most effective strategies. One of the clinic’s favorite food or treat puzzles is the Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center, but there are many others available at pet stores and online. n

Special note: Don’t confuse a hungry kitten for one that has Special note: Don’t confuse a hungry kitten for one a behaviour like woolissue sucking pica.sucking Because that hasissue a behaviour likeorwool orkittens pica. are Because kittens are growing rapidly moreweight growing rapidly and need more calories perand unitneed of body body weight than an adult cat, they than calories an adult per cat, unit theyofcan chew on and ingest non-food items chewthey on and ingest non-food only because only can because are hungry!

Please beitems sure to feed your kittens theytimes are hungry! be sure toavailable feed yourforkittens multiple a day orPlease even leave food them at all multiple times a day or even leave food available for times in the early stages of development.

them at all times in the early stages of development.

Need more help? You can schedule a phone or video consultation with author and Cat Behaviorist Mieshelle Nagelschneider by visiting thecatbehaviorclinic.com

moderncat.com

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ROAD , TRIP E? ON ANY

American Museum of the House Cat

By Eleanor Munk

A kind-hearted collector combines his love of cats and museums to create a fascinating and whimsical collection bursting with colour. Even better, the museum keeps none of its proceeds, which go instead to the shelter cats who need them most

T

here’s nothing better than hitting a museum when you’re looking for an afternoon of culture, entertainment, and education all wrapped up in one. For cat lovers, the prospect just got even better—feline-themed museums are now popping up all over the world, including Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Montenegro.

One such gem, the American Museum of the House Cat, is an excellent pit stop if you are passing through Jackson County, North Carolina. Housing the collection of Dr. Harold Sims, a retired college biology professor, this fascinating and colourful museum guides you through the history of the domestic house cat, dating from early Egyptian beginnings to the contemporary

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period. Gathered from across the globe, the multitude of cat-themed treasures Harold has amassed includes ancient and modern art (such as a Warhol!), vintage advertising, antique clocks, mid-century Italian ceramics, fine glassware, and even an actual petrified cat, which was found in the chimney breast of a medieval house in Yorkshire, the United Kingdom.

“I have always loved museums,” Harold says. “A long time ago I learned that there were cat museums throughout the world, which showed the influence that the house cat has had on literature and art. But there were none in America.”

The collector, who recently celebrated his 82nd birthday, decided to be the one to bring the phenomenon to America. After all, he has spent the last thirty years amassing a fantastic collection, so he certainly had the treasures to showcase.

“My museum is small,” Harold admits. “But I have filled it with more than 5000 items. My hope is that it will always be a place where cat lovers can learn and can celebrate…love for the house cat.”

The American Museum of the House Cat, however, does more than provide a fascinating insight into the history of the house cat—it also helps to save lives.

“I do not, nor will I, take compensation for myself,” Harold tells us, concerning the funds raised from the purchase of museum tickets. “All funds from the museum, after the cost of rent and a single guide, will go to the shelter.”

The shelter Harold refers to is his other undertaking, Catman2 Cat shelter. This awesome cage-free, no-kill shelter in Jackson County is also run by Harold, alongside his wife Kay. By visiting the House Cat museum, you are directly supporting the 80-plus cats currently housed at the Catman2 Cat shelter. Your museum ticket price helps with the rescue and adoption of these cats.

“Before Catman2 Inc opened,” Harold explains, “the county euthanized hundreds [of cats] each year.” This year, “the county has not killed a single healthy, adoptable cat.”

“I do this for my love of cats,” Harold tells us. “I hope that both museum and shelter will be able to live on after I'm gone.”

We can’t think of a nicer legacy. To learn more, plan a visit, or support Harold's work, check out catman2.org. n moderncat.com

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PET PROJECT

craft D.I.Y.

Braided Cat Collar with Tassel Get crafty! Make your cat a cute braided cat collar!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: ∙ 5/32-inch nylon rope or cotton rope

s live model Beautiful O ed cat id our DIY bra graphed to collar. Pho rn ea

by Daniel H .com) to (hearnpho

∙ 1 breakaway cat collar clasp (available online or use the clasp from a dismantled old collar) ∙ Measuring tape ∙ Scissors ∙ Lighter or matches

Notes • Make sure you braid tightly.

• Be careful not to hold in the flame too long or it will discolour or even burn the nylon (and your fingers).

HOW-TO:

1 Measure your cat’s neck circumference and cut two pieces of rope that are each two times the measurement of your cat’s neck plus an addition eight inches in length.

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P H OTO DA N I E L H E A R N

By Kristina Stephens

4a 2 Loop your two pieces of rope through one of the ends of your clasp and pull until equal amounts on both sides. Align rope pieces so that the two strands are next to one another

Now take the two outer strands and put them through the other end of your collar clasp.

4b Knot the inner strands with the outer. Flip over so you see can see where the two strands loop through the ring.

3 Start the braid, just like you would with a standard three-strand braid, but because you have four strands, always cross over two strands. Braid until you have a braid length equalling your cat’s neck measurement plus an additional one inch. Make sure to measure from the top of the clasp, not just the rope length, and try it on your cat to make sure it’s not going to be too tight or loose.

4c Take the strands on the left and tuck them through the second loop. Pull tight, making sure to pull with the ring and ends at same time.

5 Trim the tassels to whatever length you prefer. I find one and a half inches is a good minimum length.

6 You will need to seal the ends of the rope.

Hold tip of rope in flame for no longer than two seconds at a time then roll the heated rope tip between your fingers. If you find it still looks a bit frayed, repeat until you are happy with the seal. Repeat with all four strands If you want to get fancy, you could also do this with cotton rope. The only difference is that the cotton-rope ends would need to be sealed with glue. Cotton rope can be fully dyed or dip dyed for an ombre effect, and can be any colour your heart desires!

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INSPIRE

The Coolest Job Ever

Meet professional kitten rescuer Hannah Shaw!

By Jennifer Nosek

P H OTO A N D R E W M A RTT I L A

My goal is to keep saving lives for as long as I am on this earth.

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grateful that as I've gained visibility and support, I've become able to focus full-time on changing that by providing humane education that helps shelters, rescues, and individuals save the lives of kittens.

P H OTO H A N N A H SH A W

Q: What’s the best part of being a professional kitten rescuer?

Hannah Shaw, aka Kitten Lady, is on a mission to change the world for the tiniest felines.

W

hen she got started, Hannah Shaw had no idea she'd be recusing kittens for a living.

But after her first kitten rescue, she became obsessed with trying to save the lives of baby kittens, which grew into a mission that became her full-time job.

Focusing her attention on orphan kittens, this tattooed rescuer and humane educator is committed to helping others learn how to save the lives of kittens in order to change the way we treat and perceive this most vulnerable feline population. Along the way she’s gained a huge social media following and has been featured by major media outlets around the world. How cool is that? We asked her some questions.

Q: How did you get started rescuing orphan kittens?

I didn't intentionally get involved in kitten rescue. Like many rescuers, it was kittens who found me! When I was about 20 and living in South Philadelphia, I found my first kitten, Coco, in a tree. After that, a veil was

lifted and I started finding kittens everywhere: in alleys, under cars, in friends' backyards. I learned that orphan kittens are typically killed in shelters due to the intensive care they require, so I felt driven to provide that care to them myself. I became totally obsessed with giving vulnerable orphan kittens a chance to live.

Q: What was your trajectory from helping a kitten to becoming Kitten Lady?

I didn't become Kitten Lady overnight.

At first, I just helped a handful of kittens I found outside, learning as best as I could with fairly limited resources. As more people found out about what I was doing, I started getting calls from friends, co-workers, and even strangers who had heard I was a “kitten lady.” Pretty soon I was coordinating rescue efforts with shelters and rescue organizations, and orphan kittens started to become my biggest priority.

I've been fortunate to work in animal welfare for most of my career, and throughout the years I have always lamented that neonatal kittens are so underserved in animal shelters. I'm

The most rewarding part of my work is seeing the impact I'm able to make for individual kittens...and knowing that I'm able to extend that impact tenfold by teaching others to do the same.

When a kitten opens her eyes for the first time, I want her to open them to a world of hope and possibility, and it's very fulfilling to be able to give that to them. While I can't necessarily see every kitten I impact, it feels good to know that more kittens are being saved using the resources I've created.

Q: What is the hardest part of your job? And what keeps you going?

The hardest thing I deal with is the amount of inquiries I receive! Having a large social media platform is an incredible opportunity to disperse information, but it's also a lot of pressure because people expect me to be readily available on a one-on-one basis. I receive more than 250 individual messages every day asking me to help. This tells me that there is so much more work to be done, and it motivates me to continue creating resources so that no one feels left in the dark, and everyone feels personally educated and empowered to save lives.

Q: Do you ever keep any of the kittens?

“Goodbye” is the goal of fostering, and I am a firm believer that you can't sustainably save lives if you don't know how to celebrate saying goodbye. After all, kittens don't need us to keep them—they just need us to keep them alive. That's why I focus on kittens age zero to eight weeks old, then adopt them into loving homes. The point is to save the maximum number of lives, and we do that by moderncat.com

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keeping space in our lives to foster.

I personally have two cats of my own.

Coco is the first kitten I ever found, and she's the inspiration for so much of what I do! My other cat, Eloise, came along about four years later—also an orphan I raised. The two of them are wonderful companions, but I do not intend to adopt more cats at this time. My goal is to keep saving lives for as long as I am on this earth, and I will always keep room in my life for fosters!

Q: Are any of your tattoos kitten-related?

While I don't have any kitten tattoos, I do have several tattoos of wild cats: a bobcat, a cougar, and my favourite: a circus tiger mauling a ringleader. I'm actually every bit as passionate about the welfare of big cats as that of tiny kittens.

For several years I provided animal care at a sanctuary for wild felids, and I worked and volunteered with wildlife protection organizations for much of my twenties.

Q: What should people do if they find a kitten or litter of kittens?

It all depends on the kittens' age, where they're found, what resources you have available, and whether there is a mom.

Everything with kittens should be taken

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case-by-case!

As a rule, you should not assume that a litter of kittens is abandoned just because you don’t see the mom. If the kittens are unweaned, it's important that they stay with mom unless they are truly orphaned. Give the kittens a bit of distance and see if the mom returns—if she does, that's great! They can stay with her until they are old enough to be weaned, at about five weeks old. Don't forget that the mom should also be sterilized so that no more kittens are born.

If the mom does not return within two to three hours, it's time for you to step in and care for them. Most animal shelters do not have the ability to care for unweaned kittens on site, so the most humane thing you can do is offer to foster them yourself. You can learn everything you need to know about how to raise kittens at KittenLady.org/savekittens.

Q: How can other people get involved and help?

A: The best way to get involved with kitten rescue is to sign up to foster for

P H OTOS A N D R E W M A RTT I L A

TOO !

E CUT

your local animal shelter. Fostering is fun, rewarding, and doesn't have to be hard! Anyone can foster kittens with the right supplies and information, and it's only a commitment of a few weeks. The impact you'll make will be lifesaving: shelters cannot save a kitten's life unless there is someone signed up to foster, so by providing a foster home you are literally saving an animal that would otherwise be killed. n

You can find out more on Hannah’s YouTube channel and website, KittenLady.org, and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Hannah also provides free printed materials to shelters all over the country so that people can learn to save kittens' lives.

Kitten Lady’s Top 5 Tips For Fostering—Or Thinking About Fostering— Orphan Kittens

1

Get the right supplies! You will need specialty items such as

kitten formula, bottles, baby blankets, baby wipes, a digital scale, and more. You can find information about what you'll need at KittenLady.org/supplies.

2

Feed them properly. Always feed kittens fresh, comfortably

warm formula, and feed while in a belly-down position.

Never feed a kitten on her back, as this is dangerous and can cause the kitten to inhale fluid into the lungs. Provide food every few hours, according to their needs for their age. You can learn about feeding kittens at KittenLady.org/feeding.

3

Help them go to the bathroom. Kittens can't go on their

own during the first three weeks of life, so you can help them by stimulating them with a soft tissue to replicate the sensation of their mother licking them. Monitor for any concerning signs, such as diarrhea, and treat accordingly. Learn about bathroom business at KittenLady.org/bathroom.

4

Monitor, monitor, monitor! Weigh the kittens daily to

ensure that they are making proper gains. Monitor their body composition and temperament and provide immediate treatment if any signs of illness occur. While kittens are very susceptible to illness, even sick kittens can often be saved if monitoring and early intervention practices are in place. Learn to assess kittens at KittenLady.org/assessing.

5

Practice healthy boundaries! Know that it's okay not to

take on too much at once, and to take a break in between litters. Self-care is animal care, and we have to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others. Keep your fostering sustainable so that you can continue to save lives for years to come. The animals need you!

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Purrfect Presents SPECIAL PROMOTION

A gift guide for cats & cat lovers

Lightweight and portable, Sturdi Pop-Up Kennels are perfect for travelling with your cat! Three sizes are available, no assembly required, and a roomy carrying case is included for food, water, and essentials. sturdiproducts.com

The Neko Flies Ultimate Rod extends for even more ways to play with your cat’s favourite interchangeable Neko Flies and Neko Flies Birbug toys. Release their wild side with Neko Flies! NekoFlies.com

Your cat will purr with joy this holiday season when he sinks into P.L.A.Y.’s cozy Snuggle Bed! This convertible bed molds into a variety of shapes, offering your kitty a heavenly retreat. From $55, PetPLAY.com

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Tired of tacky, cheap, cat-themed products? Oh My Cat curates the best handcrafted gifts for modern cat lovers. Shop gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces like this cat-shaped jewellery dish and more! OhMyCatShop.com

Who’d have thought Dracula was a cat person? Read all about it in Catula: The Misadventures of Dracula’s Cat, a humorous picture book suitable for all ages. Based on a real cat!

CatulaTheBook.com

This Wine & Cheese set by munchiecat is made with soft minky fabric and includes catnip, crinkle, and jingle toys to bring out your cat’s playful yet sophisticated side! munchiecat.com/shop

SPECIAL PROMOTION

The perfect toy for cats with exquisite taste: munchiecat's Sushi Set! These beautifully designed plush cat toys come infused with catnip or internal bells for extra fun. Awesome gift idea! munchiecat.com/shop

The Cat Ball cat bed is the perfect place to sleep, lounge, and play! This design has six panels with two openings, is washable, warm, and available in colours to match any décor. TheCatBall.com

Pet hair problem? Try Fur-Zoff, the best solution for the pet hair mess. In your car and home FurZoff works faster and cleans better than any other product—and it lasts forever! $13, FurZoff.net

Inspired by shoe-hugging pets everywhere, the Sneaker Pet Bed from Napping JoJo provides your kitty a luxury spot to dream in, and is sure to bring a joyful touch to your home as well!

NappingJoJo.com

Does your furbaby love to lounge? Is she constantly seeking the purrfect catnap spot? Indulge your furry friend with a comfy, cozy, handcrafted Critter Crafting crochet Cat Mat! crittercrafting.com

Preserve your memories with Makin A Memory—durable keepsakes that last forever. These frame kits feature a patented swivel and imprint impressions with Makin’s Brand clay. Choose from 4 solid wood designs.

MakinAMemory.com

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Purrfect Presents SPECIAL PROMOTION

A gift guide for cats & cat lovers

Crafted from certified and organic ingredients, and sustainably produced, GATHER Free Acres provides premium quality, natural nutrition to keep your cat healthy, happy and loving life. We GATHER you’ll like it! Petcurean.com

Spoil your cat and give back with 100% organic catnip from Colorado Kitty Pot. Proceeds benefit Harley’s Hope Foundation, a charity that ensures low income pet parents and their animals can stay together.

ColoradoKittyPot.com

Cat Dancer Deluxe includes the original interactive toy, home-tested by 8 million cats, and a helpful paw to mount the irresistible lure without damaging walls. When you’re away, the cat can still play! CatDancer.com

Your cat has a unique personality, this cat furniture does too! With 8 models for one or more cats, the Kitty Power Paws plush cat furniture collection from Prevue Pet Products is available now! PrevuePet.com

The #1 veterinarian recommended retail joint health supplement brand is now available in a tasty, easy to give soft chew.

Cosequin for Cats will help your cat jump, pounce, and play! Cosequin.com

Introducing the Bridge, the first in Molly and Friends’ new line of quality wall furniture. Proud to be Global Pet Expo's Best New Cat Product for 2017! MollyAndFriends.com

Reclaiming Cat Lady

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Just don't call them crazy...

How an army of kitty crusaders is spinning a negative stereotype on its whiskered head

By Noa Nichol | Illustration by Ryan Garcia

A

ccording to one online urban dictionary, the term “crazy cat lady” refers to “an elderly suburban widow who lives alone and keeps dozens or more pet cats—usually many more than municipal code allows—in a small house, and refuses to give away or sell them even for the sake of the safety of the cats or herself.” Another definition reads, “Someone who can’t seem to get a date … or anything. It’s like [being] forever alone—except you get cats.” From gifs to memes to action figures to Halloween costumes to characters on popular TV shows, the so-called “crazy cat lady” has received a pretty bad rap.

Until now. A movement of sorts, led by cat lovers across North America and around the world, seems to be underway to take the term back. They’re turning the stereotype—that people, women and men alike, who love cats are crazy—on its head. One such kitty crusader is BriAnne Wills—a fashion photographer and creator of an original photo series called Girls and Their Cats that shines a spotlight on, in BriAnne’s own words, “the cutest cat ladies and their furry companions.”

“I moved to Brooklyn in 2014 with my husband and two rescue cats [and] started Girls and Their Cats shortly after as a way to showcase cat ladies in a positive light,” she says. “I've photographed 184 cat ladies so far. I've also been commissioned by Fresh Step and Meow Mix to create social media content for them, and by Teen Vogue to shoot a Cats and Cat Eyes beauty editorial because they had seen the series.”

Her project, she adds, is “devoted to smashing the crazy cat lady stereotype” by featuring strong, independent, cool, stylish women of all varieties. “These women share their stories about how owning a cat or cats has changed their lives for the better and the portraits are beautiful representations of what living with a cat really looks like.”

She agrees that, in the past, the term “crazy cat lady” has tended to refer to “the little old lady down the street who lived alone and had an unhealthy amount of cats.” Though the label is, today, often used in a humorous way, she says there’s still ground to cover when it comes to eradicating all associated negatives—in particular, those that point to some sort of mental or emotional imbalance.

“Mental illness is not a frivolous subject matter and ‘crazy’ is not a term we should project on someone just because they own cats and maybe post a lot of cat videos,” BriAnne says, adding that her personal definition points to “someone who cares a lot about our furry friends and enjoys sharing their life and space with them.”

A second photographer with a similar aim is David Williams, who, in 2016, authored a New York Times bestselling photo book entitled Men With Cats: Intimate Portraits of Feline Friendship, the aim of which, according to his publisher’s website, is to celebrate “cat-owning men and the precious kitties who have stolen their hearts,” with subjects ranging from musicians to artists, soldiers, CEOs, truck drivers, and tattoo artists. moderncat.com

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I've heard from a few cat ladies that they were unsure about adopting at first for fear of being judged or teased. There are more than a million cats euthanized each year so if women—and men—are afraid to adopt because of negative stereotypes, it definitely hurts cats in the long run.

Speaking directly to the “crazy cat lady” archetype, David says that, while it may have originated from the association between witches and their black cats, he personally became aware of the term after seeing it portrayed in popular culture and on television shows like The Simpsons.

“It never had any deep impact on me besides light teasing about being more interested in cats over dogs,” he explains.

“Our culture has a weird habit of assigning gender to pretty much everything—colours, cars, toys—and it’s no different for animals. Cats are for girls and dogs are for boys. When talking about cats and dogs, we even assign them a gender: cats are girls and dogs are boys. Presumably we do this because we just associate their stereotypical behaviour with human stereotypical behaviour. Cats are seen as more ‘feminine’ because they are passive and introverted, dogs are “masculine” because they are high energy and independent.”

As a man who loves cats—and who has met and collaborated with many other feline-loving males—David, like BriAnne, is interested in seeing the word “crazy” disassociated from those who consider themselves as “cat people.”

“I think that the word ‘crazy’ gets thrown around too often,” he says, echoing his fellow photographer’s sentiments.

“There are people who live with mental illness every day and I think anyone who is interested in bettering the lives of cats is far from crazy. I think that dismantling the association of the word ‘crazy’ with anyone who is passionate about

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something, whether it’s cats, dogs, plants or rocks, is a shift in the right direction.”

Celebrating and embracing a love of cats is certainly a shift in the right direction for the cats crowding animal shelters across the U.S. and Canada—and, indeed, around the world.

As the Kitten Lady, a.k.a. Hannah Shaw—a rescuer, humane educator and unwavering advocate who has dedicated her life to finding innovative ways to protect animals—says in a YouTube video posted late last year, not only is the stereotype of the crazy cat lady untrue—it’s actually damaging to cats.

“It discourages our participation in their protection,” she tells an audience of, thus far, nearly 17,500 viewers. “I think the language we use is really important because it frames not only our own self concept but also how other people perceive us, and I certainly don’t identify as crazy.

“It doesn’t have to be crazy to save lives,” she adds. “We know that a young generation is influenced by the images they see around them, so when we depict cat people as crazy, it discourages their involvement in a really important cause.

When seven out of 10 cats who enter United States shelters are being held there, we need smart and sophisticated people of all backgrounds to be involved in helping to change that.”

BriAnne agrees, saying, “I've heard from a few cat ladies that they were unsure about adopting at first for fear of being judged or teased. There are more than a million cats euthanized each year so if women—and men—are afraid to

P H OTO B R I A N N E W I L L S

Changing stereotypes: photos from BriAnne Will's photo series, "Girls and Their Cats."

P H OTO DAV I D W I L L I A M S

Photos from David William's New York Times bestselling photo book, Men With Cats: Intimate Portraits of Feline Friendships. adopt because of negative stereotypes, it definitely hurts cats in the long run.”

Diane Lovejoy is a longtime cat rescuer who has written two books—Cat Lady Chronicles and Cat Lady Chic—in an effort to paint a new portrait of just who a cat lady really is. As she explains it, “Seventeen years ago I started rescuing cats who had been abandoned in the Houston neighborhood where my husband, Michael, and I live. He also loves cats, and we embarked on this journey together, every step of the way.

When I look back to rescuing our first cat, Lucius, I now believe it was destiny that I would become a cat lady.”

Happily, in her own work and observations, Diane believes the moderncat.com

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stereotype is changing, the label loosening. Rather then “crazy” preceding “cat lady,” she’s starting to see words like “awesome” and other upbeat adjectives being used. This change, she says, is “long overdue,” and “there are plenty of sane people who recognized this need. There may not be an organized political movement afloat, but there are millions of women across the world who enjoy talking about their cats, posting pics of them, and spreading the love for all things feline.”

And, though the stigma that’s been created by the “crazy cat lady” label is largely negative, Diane believes the characteristics of being crazy for and about cats are 100 percent positive.

“Being a cat person means that I am fully in tune with my cat’s personality—or, in the case of Lucius, with his multiple personalities!—health issues, habits, likes, and dislikes,” she says. “I am extremely proud to be a cat person, and I hope it is obvious that I never object to being called a cat lady. Just leave out the ‘crazy,’ please!”

Back on YouTube, Kitten Lady Hannah, too, dismisses the notion of a lonely old woman with a million cats, a bathrobe, and frizzy hair.

“To me what it means to be a ‘cat person’ is to be a socially conscious advocate who’s striving to find innovative ways to protect a really vulnerable population,” she states. “And the people who protect cats come in so many shapes and sizes—it’s women, men, young people, working professionals, lawyers, photographers—even tattooed rescuers like me.

“We need a shift in consciousness in the way we think about cats—and the people who protect them,” she continues. “So let’s get out the lint roller, take off the cat ears, and dismantle this stereotype. I want every person to feel empowered to get involved in whatever capacity they can, because it takes all of us to make the world a safer place for cats.”. n

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P H OTO B R I A N N E W I L L S

BriAnne Wills, creator of the photo series Girls and Their Cats, photos from which are shown on left. Find her on Instagram @girlsandtheircats.

BODY & SOUL THE CUTEST INVENTION EVER! The ingenious “kitten björn” is helping overwhelmed shelters to socialize feral kittens Feral kittens, unaccustomed to human contact, need time to adapt to people before they can be adopted—but time is often limited for staffers of crowded animal shelters, who often need to multi-task to ensure all animals are equally cared for. This is where the ingenious “kitten björn” comes in.

“What’s a kitten björn?” you may ask. While you may not have heard the term before, you’re likely familiar with the Baby Björn, a carrier that can be strapped onto a parent, allowing for physical contact with the baby while keeping hands free. The convenient design allows parents to go about their dayto-day without foregoing the important physical contact that bonds parent and child.

Inspired by the Baby Björn, staffers at the Animal Rescue League of Boston applied the Björn design to work for feral kittens. The young kittens are cradled in the pouch of a hands-free “kitten björn” vest the staffers wear, so that kittens can safely adapt to human contact while shelter workers go about other tasks.

According to the Dodo, kitten björns can have feral kittens ready for adoption after only 48 hours. Adorably, workers can tell the process is working when the formerly feral kitties start to purr. This insanely cute process not only helps to take kittens off the street and adopt them to forever homes, but it lets animal shelter staff multi-task and care for more animals. It’s a win-win we can’t get enough of!

This super-cool modular cat wall will transform your blank wall into a cat gymnasium!

How cool is this cat wall? The modular design not only looks minimal and modern, it frees up the floor space that traditional cat furniture usually occupies. But even more importantly, it provides your cat with vertical space!

All cats enjoy vertical space—it greatly enriches their home environment— but it becomes crucial if you have a multi-cat home. Cats are territorial, so by providing vertical space you’ll have happier cats that are less likely to get into turf wars, and who doesn’t want to have a beautiful, harmonious home? The Modular Cat Wall by Cats Wall Design is a win on both fronts, and your cats will feel like royalty jumping from perch to perch to survey their kingdom. You can customize the design and keep it new and exciting by easily changing the layout, too. Various cat boxes, passages, stairs, and ladders ensure your cats can fulfill their curiosity and explore. It’s important to note that the Modular Cat Wall does need a minimum wall width of five feet in order to create a usable design, but as long as you have five foot-wide expanse of wall, there’s nothing stopping you from creating the ultimate cat adventure playground. As a cat lover, you’ll probably love it just as much as your feline friend! You can find out more at catswall.com.

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P H OTO A N I M A L R E S CU E L E A G U E O F B OS TO N

KITTEN BJÖRNS:

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BODY & SOUL

LITTER BOX PROBLEMS

Getting to the bottom of why your cat is eliminating outside of the box

By Rose Frosek

I

t’s estimated that at least 10 percent of all cats develop elimination problems. These problems include not using the litter box, sometimes using the litter box, and using the litter box for either urinating or defecating, but not both. In all instances, this proves a problem for cat owners and it’s something you’ll want to tend to right away—once your cat has developed a particular non-litter-box surface or location preference for eliminating, it can be hard to address.

According to the ASPCA, the following common litter box problems might cause your cat to eliminate outside of her box: ∙ You haven’t cleaned your cat’s litter box often or thoroughly enough. Virtually all cats like clean litter boxes, so scoop and change your cat’s litter at least once a day. Rinse the litter box out completely with baking soda or unscented soap once a week. ∙ You haven’t provided enough litter boxes for your household. Be sure to have a litter box for each of your cats, as well as one extra. If your home is multi-story, you’ll need a litter box on each floor. ∙ Your cat’s litter box is too small for her or she can’t enter it easily. ∙ Your cat can’t easily get to her litter box at all times.

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∙ Your cat’s litter box has a hood or liner that makes her uncomfortable. ∙ The litter in your cat’s box is too deep. Cats usually prefer one to two inches of litter. ∙ You’ve placed your cat’s food and water bowls beside her litter box. Generally, cats do not like to eliminate where they eat.

Other problems

Multi-cat household conflict and medical problems can also cause litter box aversion. Even if you don’t actively see one of your cats blocking access to the litter box, this doesn’t mean conflict isn’t behind the reluctance to use the box. Similarly, if your cat had a medical problem that caused pain upon urination or defecation, this could create negative associations with the box even if the medical problem is now resolved.

Location

Most cats prefer a quiet litter box location with sight lines—so they can see people and animals approaching—and multiple escape routes so the don’t feel cornered when using the litter box.

Litter Type

Most cats prefer unscented, clumping litter OR they could be

BODY & SOUL attached to the litter they used as a kitten—some cats adapt to litter changes no problem but some may feel wary of a litter they didn’t use when young. If you think your cat may dislike her litter type, try offering a few different types of litter in litter boxes placed side by side. Your cat will use the one she likes best.

Accidents

If your cat has developed a non-litter-box location or surface preference for eliminating, you’ll need to make that surface or area less appealing. Try installing a bright light, or better yet, a motion-activated light, and covering the surface with tin foil, double-sided sticky tape, or the spiky underside of a carpet runner.

A Note on Urine Marking

Urine marking often gets lumped in with litter box problems but it is a whole different beast with different causes and solutions.

Generally, a cat who is urine marking still uses the litter box but is also spraying other surfaces, usually vertical, with smaller amounts of urine. You may see your cat, tail held high and perhaps quivering, back up to a surface and spray it with urine. For urine marking solutions, see moderncat.com/spray-marking.

ILLUSTRATION BY TARYN GEE

Clean all accidents immediately and thoroughly with an enzymatic cleanser, available at most pet stores, designed to neutralize pet odours. Do not use an ammonia-based cleaner (urine is also ammonia), which can actually cause your cat to want to soil this area again.

Ease Your Cat’s Anxiety With This Natural Remedy Used For Over 80 Years Vet visits, travel, separation, moving…

Veterinarian-recommended Rescue Remedy Pet is an all-natural way to treat pet anxiety, fear, and behaviour issues.

It contains a blend of five of the 38 Bach Original Flower Remedies, as developed

by Dr. Edward Bach, that help your cat cope with different emotional aspects of stressful situations. It includes: ∙ Rock Rose for terror and panic ∙ Impatiens addresses irritation and impatience ∙ Clematis for inattentiveness and lack of interest ∙ Star of Bethlehem for shock or trauma ∙ Cherry Plum for a lack of self control Just four drops of this natural remedy placed in your cat’s water bowl, on a treat or on your cat’s paws can help ease stress and anxiety. 80 years of testimonials from veterinarians and pet owners alike back it up! $21, rescueremedy.com/pets

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Sleepypod Air is loaded with features to make cat travel less stressful. Use it for in-cabin air travel, as a safe car seat, and as a pet bed away from home.

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If your cat is a true catnip aficionado then they will love these allnatural, organic catnip buds. Grown in the USA and harvested at the peak of the plant’s essential oil production, Meowijuana will give your cat the best high you can buy!

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Help your cat live her best life with these wellness products!

80% of cats will get periodontal disease by age three. You can help your cat achieve good oral health by adding scientifically formulated bluestem oral care to their drinking water.

Clinically proven safe and effective, bluestem breaks down biofilms (where harmful bacteria multiply) attacking plaque and tartar and freshening breath. bluestempets.com

Manage hairballs with CocoTherapy CAT HAIRBALL PLUS! Made with only one ingredient, high-fiber organic coconut with NO artificial ingredients, preservatives, or fillers, you’ll feel good giving it to your kittens and cats—even those with sensitive stomachs or food allergies! It also supports healthy skin and coat for less shedding!

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HealthyCoat works for your cat from the inside out, filling the nutritional gaps left by processed, commercial cat food. The natural omega 3 & 6 supplement is formulated to help prevent excessive hairballs, shedding, and itching while strengthening the immune system and improving digestion! healthycoat.net/dogcat

Looking for a cleaning solution that not only works but is safe for you, your pets, and the environment? Jackson Galaxy’s Cleaning Solutions are 100% non-toxic and quickly remove all kinds of pet mess while neutralizing and eliminating smells using the proven power of Fizzion CO2. Get yours today! fizzionclean.com/moderncat moderncat.com

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help e! is her

The Dr. Dolittle of Pet Prosthetics

By Tracey Tong

From cats to elephants, Derrick Campana is changing the lives of animals by specializing in a field of his own creation

F

ollowing a declaw surgery that went horribly wrong, Tater, a formerly happy and inquisitive cat, was left crippled. Her distraught owner, who learned a valuable lesson about why cats should never be declawed, reached out to Derrick Campana, one of the few people in the world specializing in animal orthotics and prosthetics. With a prosthetic affixed by Derrick, Tater's curious and sweet nature returned. The grateful owner, who asked to remain anonymous, praised Derrick's work. “Tater quickly figured out how to use her first device,” she marvels. “Derrick's orthotics are amazing.”

Derrick, who holds a Master’s degree in Orthotics and Prosthetics from Northwestern University, didn’t set out to be an animal orthotist.

It was his first animal patient, a chocolate Lab born with a congenital limb abnormality, that changed his life. He successfully created a prosthetic limb for the dog and “it opened my eyes to an entire field,” he says. “I knew I could do this for more animals.”

He turned to the Internet but found only one person specializing in animal prosthetics. In fact, that line of work didn’t exist and

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there was no curriculum of study to get into the field.

Still, the idea of combining two of his main interests—helping others and his love of animals—was too good to pass up.

In short order, he founded Animal Ortho Care in Stirling, Virginia, and now works with specialty and holistic veterinarians to create orthotics and prosthetics to help animals with limbs disabled through trauma, illness or old age.

At this point in the story, a joke could be inserted about giving these animals a new “leash” on life, but in Derrick’s case, it’s true.

Thanks to his ground breaking work, orthotics and prosthetics are on their way to becoming commonplace in the animal world, saving tens of thousands of lives and making the 38-year-old animal orthotist and prosthetist one of the world’s few experts in the field.

Since founding his company 12 years ago, Derrick has created an average of 1,000 prosthetics a year. He’s treated between 15,000 and 20,000 animals, including miniature horses, bald eagles, turtles, goats, sheep, deer, llamas, and a gazelle. It’s earned him the nickname of the Dr. Dolittle of Pet Prosthetics, something that makes him chuckle. Derrick has travelled to Spain to treat a ram and to Lampang, Thailand to fit two elephants who lost their legs in land mine explosions while crossing the Burmese border. “I took these casts home, made check sockets, and sent

PHOTO ACC/EZRA GREGG

INSPIRE

them to Thailand where the Thai prosthetists fabricated the rest of the prosthetic devices,” he says. He estimates that up to five percent of his patients are dogs.

One of the big differences between working in human prosthetics versus animal prosthetics is the materials.

Because there are no insurance bodies dictating what materials must be used on animals, “I can use the materials I think will work just right,” Derrick says.

His material of choice is medical-grade plastics, ideal material for prosthetics and orthotics because they are durable and can be form fit to the individual animal. Its versatility allows Derrick to custom-build prosthetic devices to meet the unique needs of each animal under his care. Easily mouldable, the prosthetics can be easily reshaped as an animal grows—helping reduce costs and thereby making these life-changing mobility devices available to more animal owners.

Recognizing this, the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Make It Possible program recently donated $20,000 to the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team, so that the group has funds to help rescue animals with more challenging disabilities, such as those Derrick treats.

“It’s really cool that people are putting money into advancing this field,” Derrick says. “We’re giving animals the same treatment options as humans.”

To make the prosthetics, he uses casting kits 95 percent of the time, but technology has made his job faster. Using donations raised through a Go Fund Me page, Derrick purchased 3-D

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PHOTOS ACC/EZRA GREGG

Tater and her prosthetic leg. leg.

printers and a scanner, which has allowed him to serve patients that aren’t able to travel to his Stirling clinic.

Using information from an MRI, Derrick uses the printer to make a 3-D positive mold for a plastic prosthesis. From the start of the process to the time the animal gets its prosthesis runs just under a week.

But even with all the advances, the field is still in its infancy, says Derrick. There are still people to educate, and it’s a role he has made his duty to take on.

Before animal prosthetics, many animals with missing or injured limbs were put down. The ones that survived managed as well as they could. “I’ve heard people say, ‘my dog walks fine on three legs,’ but we want them to walk great on four,” he says.

A missing limb takes its toll on the rest of the body, and people don’t realize that affected animals die an average of two years earlier. “You can get a new brace and it extends their lives for such minimal cost. It’s like gold.”

Pet owners aren’t the only ones he reaches out to. Medical professionals, too, need to be educated in the value of prosthetics.

“Traditionally, veterinarians are taught to amputate,” he says. “I get to teach vets to amputate at the appropriate point for the purposes of prosthetics.”

Possibly because the fields of animal orthotics and prosthetics are so new, misconceptions swirl around. “That it costs a fortune is a common misconception,” he says.

“They are extremely affordable and made to save people money,” he says.

While surgeries can start between $2,000 and $5,000, braces and prosthetics cost about $550 and $1,000 respectively, and braces can help an animal heal without the need for surgery.

“This is the best job in the world,” Derrick says. “I get to turn injured pets into bionic pets. I get to see an animal, born with a missing foot, walk for the first time. I get to see animals walk again that were injured. It can’t get better than that. I have pet owners cry all the time, happy that their family members are being treated.”

He feels that even the animals are appreciative. “Even though they can’t speak, I can tell…from their overall demeanor,” he says.

“It’s amazing. I want to do this for the rest of my life.” n

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9

$

Clip on some Christmas spirit! Decorated with festive trees and snowflakes, this detachable bow tie from Made

By Cleo will add some holiday cheer to your cat’s collar. Tons of fun designs are available so you can get party ready at any time of year. MadeByCleo.com

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$

Trekkies rejoice! Your cat will look adorable in this handmade, vintage blue Star Trek collar with a silver charm featuring Spock’s famous hand. These adjustable collars from FurociousKitty have a safety release breakaway buckle so your cat can live long and prospurrrr!

Etsy.com/shop/FurociousKitty

Look

WHAT WE FOUND! Cool finds for cats & the people who love them

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$

We definitely work hard to spoil our cats! Wear your love and dedication on your sleeve with this cute and comfy cotton shirt from Munchiecat. munchiecat.com

FROM

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$

Upgrade your cat’s bathroom situation.

World’s Best Cat Litter is a natural, highperformance clumping litter our cats love.

Combining corn with super-absorbent plant fibers, this pet, people and planet-friendly litter quickly traps litter in tight clumps so no scraping of the box is necessary! Low dust, long lasting, and flushable, this litter is perfect for multi-cat households!

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25

$

Cats groom each other as a form of social bonding; this new brush lets you bond with your cat like a cat (but without the furballs!). Made of foodgrade silicon rubber, the mouth-held Licki brush will help you develop a more intimate relationship with your cat. pdxpetdesign.com

moderncat.com

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BEHAVIOUR

PLEASE UNDERSTAND ME

HOW CATS THINK

By Tracey Tong

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Cat behaviour experts devoting themselves to how cats think and the emotions cats experience are helping to improve our relationships with our cats

I

f you’ve ever wondered what your cat was thinking as she gazes out the window, or why he sits on your newspaper when you’re trying to read, you’re in good company.

“I find that cat owners always want to know why cats do what they do,” says Mieshelle Nagelschneider, cat behaviourist and founder of The Cat Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon.

They’re curious for good reason—cats have long had a reputation for being aloof, self-reliant, and mysterious.

They’ve been domesticated for thousands of years, yet still remain enigmatic to their human companions today. Enter cat behaviourists like Mieshelle and Pam Johnson-Bennett, a pioneer in the field of cat behaviour consulting. They’ve helped tens of thousands of cat owners around the world understand what makes their cats tick.

Ask both behaviourists and they’ll tell you that the need for people in their profession is there. Pam is the author of seven award-winning books on cat behaviour and training—dubbed the “cat bibles” of understanding felines—and one of the most sought-after cat behaviour experts in the world.

Nashville-based Pam began her consulting career in New York in 1982 back when there was no such thing as a cat behaviour consultant. “When I started it was lonely and I was ridiculed. Now the field is respected,” she says, “which is wonderful because many cats’ lives will be saved.”

In the past, cats were viewed as low-maintenance pets people either adopted on a whim or got because they didn’t have enough time to devote to a dog, says Pam. Cats were largely considered un-trainable, which is a false notion Pam has devoted her career to correcting.

Cats can be trained “You can train them to do all the fun things that dogs do— fetch, roll over, give me your paw… cats are brilliant,” says Pam. “But first, you have to find out what the currency is for the cat. What motivates a cat is different from what motivates a dog.”

Cats and love Comparing cat and dog behaviour is one of the mistakes that

lead many people to believe that cats are not affectionate animals, that they don’t love us, or that they are aloof when the opposite is true. “Cats show their affection differently than dogs, and they show it in many different ways,” says Pam. “They butt their heads up against you or lay on the paper you are reading. They’ll go to where your focus is.”

One commonly misinterpreted sign is when a cat lays near you with its back to you, says Pam. “People get offended, but cats are predators, so they need to look out on their environment.

They know you’re safe, so they can put their backs to you.”

Cats are both predator and prey, says Mieshelle, who has been working with cat owners around the world for 20 years.

Her bestselling scientific and scholarly-cited cat behaviour book, The Cat Whisperer, has been published in multiple languages and is used by professionals around the world.

“Because cats are both predator and prey, they are extra cautious and reactive. They don’t have a pack like dogs do for protection so they have to be more cautious,” she says.

Growing up on a farm, Mieshelle spent a lot of time observing feral cats. “I had all these cats to watch their natural body language, moving freely, in nature where they are meant to be.” And although they aren’t pack animals, cats aren’t as solitary as many people think.

Social creatures “They hunt alone—they are solitary eaters—but they are social animals,” says Pam. Still, that’s no guarantee that cats will get along when placed in a household with other cats.

Just as not all humans get along, “cats may not be the best of friends if we made the pairing,” she says. How cats feel about dogs works on a case-by-case basis. “Dogs and cats don’t speak the same language,” says Pam. “Dogs play by chasing, but cats feel like they’re fighting for their lives.” Pet owners need to make sure all household pets feel safe, going at the pace of the one who is most stressed out, she says.

Loyalty Once firmly established at home, cats are very loyal, says Pam, dispelling another myth that cats are not as loyal as their canine counterparts. We think a dog is more loyal because it follows us around, she says, “but cats are territorial, so they don’t want to go in the car with you or on vacation with you.” This desire to stay put is not an indication of a lack of attachment.

Anger and grudges Force an unwilling cat into a situation and you may make him mad: cats do feel anger. “If a cat doesn’t feel that he has moderncat.com

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a choice, you have to take a step back,” says Pam. Humans may have the best intentions—“We see a gorgeous cat and lumber on over and pick the cat up without asking it”—but may end up cornering and offending the animal. Not all is lost, as cats don’t hold grudges or have punitive thoughts, says Pam. “Cats don’t plot ways to get even. Their behaviour is driven by result and we misunderstand the cats’ motivation for the behaviour” as retaliation.

Guilt Nor do cats experience guilt.

That look you get when your cat pees on the floor and you bring the cat over and punish him isn’t guilt, it’s fear, says Pam. “It’s a miscommunication. The cat is terrified because it doesn’t know how to read you.” The cat only knows you’re angry and responds correspondingly by shying away, a gesture often interpreted as guilt.

Jealousy Cats do get jealous, which goes back to territoriality. “Unlike dogs which have one alpha, cats have a flexible social hierarchy,” Mieshelle says. “They timeshare, or take turns owning important resource locations, like food locations and water locations in their environment.” Cats may feel jealous if they feel those resources to be scarce. To curb jealousy, Mieshelle suggests having multiple resource locations to make it easier for multiple cats to share.

Joy and sadness Like humans, cats experience joy and sadness. Cats suffer from loneliness when they aren’t getting enough attention, says Pam. “A lot of people think cats are low-maintenance.

“We come home from work and check our email and make dinner and don’t interact with the cat. The cat thinks, “why should I greet you if you’re not going to respond to me?’”

Cats feel happy when they are relaxed, eating, hunting, being groomed and getting attention, says Mieshelle. Providing interactive toys and puzzles and triggering your cat’s prey drive a couple of times a day will make for a joyful cat. “Cats in captivity get stressed from boredom,” she says.

Boredom is the last thing on a cat’s mind as it gazes out the window. As an ambush predator, the cat is lying in wait

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for something—a butterfly, a bird, or a squirrel—to come within ambush distance, says Pam. “That’s kitty TV. They are looking for stimulation and all the action is outside.”

Keep in mind, though, as Mieshelle notes in her article for Modern Cat, “How to Stop Your Cat From Urine SprayMarking," (moderncat.com/spray-marking) a cat that can see a neighbourhood outdoor cat through the window may feel his territory is being threatened, which can lead to urine marking in your house.

But as much as cats experience human-like emotions, owners should still treat them like animals in order to have a successful relationship with them. “Love your cat as a member of the family, but remember that they are cats and not fur-covered children,” says Pam. For her part, Mieshelle thinks there might be more to cats than we think. “I like to think that cats are higher-thinking animals and they could be thinking more complex and interesting things than we could ever imagine,” she says.

Certainly, there’s much more left to discover. Even after more than three decades of working with cats, Pam keeps learning and finding more to write about. “That’s what’s fascinating about this field—cats aren’t giving up all their secrets.” n

BEHAVIOUR

WEIRD ­­CAT BEHAVIOURS EXPLAINED! Cats can be weirdos… that’s why we love them!

Here are the explanations behind some of the weird cat behaviour you’ve been wondering about.

#2 TAPING A SQUARE

#1 CUCUMBER SCARE There’s a viral video trend you might have seen lately: if you surprise your cat with a cucumber, she might respond by completely freaking out. She might hiss, shy away, or spring into the air. Silly cat, it’s just a vegetable! What a hilarious prank, right? According to National Geographic, not really. Jill Goldman, a certified animal behaviourist in southern California, advises against needlessly stressing your cat. Cats, she says, don’t normally see things like cucumbers on the floor, so you are “triggering the cats’ natural startle responses.” In general, be careful about shocking your cat with novel items. Your cat needs time to adjust to new objects and situations. Deliberately shocking her is unfair and potentially dangerous for your kitty.

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Did you see #CatSquare trending on Twitter? After taping the outline of a square shape on the ground, cat owners were puzzled and amused to find that cats were unable to resist the lure of the square. Almost without fail, after owners made one of these tape squares, their cats would sit themselves right into the middle of them. So what is the scientific explanation for this? According to academic media outlet The Conversation, the impetus is similar to a cat’s desire to squeeze into a box: it makes them feel more safe and secure. It is theorized that boxes remind cats of being in a nest with their mom and littermates. The lateral side pressure is comforting and releases feel good endorphins.

The tape-square, then, might provide cats with some “misplaced sense of security and psychosomatic comfort,” The Conversation summarizes. In short, this is a fun experiment to try but ultimately your cat would prefer a nice shoebox!

DOMINO SUBMITTED BY MARIAH STANELY

By Eleanor Munk

ARTEMIS AND APOLLO SUBMITTED BY EMILY RICH

#3 LAPTOP BED It’s always the same story: every time you sit down to your laptop to try and actually get some work done, your cat promptly plops down on your keyboard. Does this mean that your cat is jealous of your clients and social media friends? It’s possible.

According to PetMD and Dr. Kat Miller, Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist and director of anti-cruelty and behaviour research at the ASPCA, your cat could be seeking your attention. After all, if effective; it’s pretty hard to ignore your cat when he’s seated on your keyboard. Also, cats really like warmth and a laptop can feel like a nice, warm heating pad for your kitty.

#4 HEAD BUTTING Does your cat butt you with his head? Called “head bunting” by behaviourists, this behaviour is how some cats say “Why, hello there. I like you and feel comfortable around you.” It’s also a cat’s way of marking you with their facial pheromones to distinguish you as one of their group. Side note: if you have a multi-cat home and see your cats’ cheek-rub each other, this is a sign that there is harmony among your cats. If your cats are not getting along, you can groom them in turn with the same brush to help establish a group scent and promote peace in your household. moderncat.com

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STAR CAT

t a C r a t S ER WINN

EVERYDAY HERO

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Brian Hayes, out there making a difference for cats in his community, will win you over

By Rose Frosek | Photographed by Paola Paladini

W

e love profiling unsung heroes, the people in our neighbourhoods quietly making a difference. Our Star Cat contest winner, Brian Hayes of West Palm Beach, Florida, who entered his former street cat, Cane, in the contest, is just one such individual.

“Cane came to me by luck, really,” Brian recalls. A client of Brian’s was feeding a stray and she showed Brian some photos and videos of the cat rubbing on her legs and giving her goo-goo eyes—and “it was love at first sight,” Brian says.

He immediately agreed to take cat—but first they had to catch him! “Two days passed and I had the sads,” he says. “They hadn’t seen him. I go home from work that day thinking I will never get to see him in person and just as I walk in, my phone rings and its Kim, my client, and they have Cane on their patio!”

Cane was so confident, friendly, and nurturing, that he didn’t need to be socialized at all. “He knew just what to do from day one. He is very intelligent,” Brian says. He even gets along with Brian’s cockatiel, Sunny.

Brian currently has eight rescues in his home. Six of

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them—Deuce, Smoke, Mister, Elsie, Jin Jin, and the newbie, Gabby—are from the feral colony he tends to.

“I am a total failure at finding homes for them,” he laughs.

“I fall in love with them and can't let them go.”

Despite having always gotten his critters from friends or the street, he didn’t consider himself a true rescuer until two years ago when he found his feral colony.

In another instance of serendipity, Brian’s sister Linda called him to tell him she’d seen a dead kitten on the road. Brian headed out to investigate. “I parked my car at the convenience store and walked with my shovel and bag to get the poor soul,” he recalls. But what he found instead was a dead squirrel—and a pretty tuxedo kitty, obviously feral, wide-eyed and scared but hungry looking, watching him. Brian went home to bury the squirrel then returned to feed the cat, and thus began his feral journey. Brian now looks after a total of 13 cats in what turned out to be a colony. He has set up three shelter areas, three feeding stations, and “they’re all sporting little fat bellies now,” he chuckles.

It’s a labour of love, and one undertaken largely at his

/

CAT

Never rule out strays or ferals or old cats. They all have a place in our lives and they all deserve a dignified life and a good home.

expense. “My sister helps when she can and my Facebook groups, Paw Pride and Paws Up United, are a big help,” he shares. “They both know I’m not a wealthy man and will sacrifice my wellbeing for the cats, so they both have stepped up and been there for me since day one.” But the help he likes the best is when strangers walk up to him and give him donations or money to buy food. “I had a guy two weeks ago give me three big bags of Meow Mix,” Brian says. “Every time it happens I cloud up a bit, so grateful that people see what I do and appreciate it.” But the help comes in waves. Brian pays for 60 to 70 percent of the food and all of the vet bills. “There’s a lot of sarcoptic mange in my colony but I have got it under control for now,” he reports. “I never ask for help or fund raise.”

He does, however, have advice for people that would like to help the stray and feral cats in their neighbourhoods or communities: just roll up your sleeves and get out there. “I’m a big believer in ‘just do it’—ya see a stray cat, feed it. I carry food with me all the time. There are feral colonies right near everyone’s home, I promise you. Just look and you will see.”

He asks that you “never rule out strays or ferals or old cats. They all have a place in our lives and they all deserve a dignified life and a good home. Cats will adapt to almost any situation given respect, time, and love—but remember it's no longer your house it is theirs, he laughs. “Please spay and neuter your pets,” he continues. “There are so many low cost programs or grants where you can get it done for free. We will never stop this endless cycle without a little effort.” n

Find Brian and Cane on Facebook at facebook.com/Canesrein. moderncat.com

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Looking for a stylish way to let your cat in and out that fits seamlessly into your home?

The SureFlap cat door can be installed into doors, walls or glass and operates using your cat’s microchip, opening only for your cat. This means that no unwelcome visitors can wander in! $125, SureFlap.com

CatTastic Décor

This adorable silicone LED nightlight is a perfect room illuminator for both youngsters and the young at heart. It glows with a warm, white light but with a tap changes to multi-colour mode. $17, triple-t-studios.com

Finds to thrill both you and your cat

If here’s one thing all cats like, it’s a clean litter box!

The Litter-Robot III Open Air self-cleaning litter box uses a weight sensor and a timer to know when it needs to get to work, doing the dirty work for you so your cat has a fresh clean experience with every visit! $449, LitterRobot.com

Let your cat scratch, climb and ‘slide’ on this brilliantly vivid pressed wood cat scratcher from Armarkat! With its ultra-thick faux fur, your kitty will feel spoiled and adventurous. We love the 27” high model #AC2101XB! From $35, Armarkat.com

Attention . s..

Disney fan

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Pop art phenom Romero Britto has pop-ified your favourite Disney felines!

With zesty colours, bold patterns, and a hint of sparkle, these handcrafted Disney by Britto figures offer a fun new take on the classic characters. A perfectly playful addition to any room or office space. $60, eGiftStudio.com

Embrace your cat’s inner flower child with the whimsical Petals Basket bed from Dharma Dog Karma Cat. Handcrafted with Himalayan wool that is not chemically cleansed, these beds contain lanolin oil, which reminds cats of their mother and conditions their fur. And each purchase helps to support the women in Nepal who make the beds. Now that’s good karma! From $55, DharmaDogKarmaCat.com

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Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good cat and a good book

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF MUST-READS.

The Persian Always Meows Twice: A Cat Groomer Mystery lovers will want to sink their teeth into this one! Professional cat groomer Cassie McGlone’s business is booming. Her salon is filled with four-legged clients, and she has even earned the business of millionaire George DeLeuw, who brings in his beautiful Persian, Harpo, for grooming. But when Cassie makes a house call to George’s mansion, she discovers his murdered body next to the newly orphaned Harpo. As the local police attempt to find the killer, Cassie begins her own investigation and notices that there is something odd about the attention Harpo is getting—someone seems extremely fixed on getting their hands on the Persian cat. Is Harpo the key to unravelling this mystery? As a cat lover and groomer, can Cassie find out the truth? This excellent mystery debut from Eileen Watkins will make your pulse race!

Total Cat Mojo Do you understand your kitty’s Cat Mojo?

What does that even mean? According to Jackson Galaxy, animal behaviourist and host of Animal Planet’s hit show “My Cat From Hell,” cat mojo is the confidence that cats exhibit when they are at ease in their environment and in touch with their natural instincts. But how can you begin to comprehend this mojo, and how do you help your cat harness that groove?

Find out in Total Cat Mojo, Jackson Galaxy's new, comprehensive cat care guide that shows how to eliminate feline behavioural problems by understanding your cat's motivations. With this smart and witty manual, your kitty will have the strength to get his mojo on, and will become the groovy, at-ease kitty he was born to be!

The Astonishing Thing This heartwarming and insightful book, told from the perspective of bright and loving cat Boo, follows the story of Boo’s family, which is suddenly thrown into disarray when Boo’s human mother, Carrie, abruptly leaves the rest of the family. Boo is of course concerned about regular cat worries, such as who will fill her cat dish, but also wants to understand what is happening to her family and why. It will perhaps take Boo herself to help the family make it through their issues, and to finally make things right! This touching tale provides a sensitive and perceptive look into the intricacies of marriage and family life, as seen through the unique perspective of the family cat.

Private Eyes Join Moose, a plucky Australian Terrier, in a race against the clock as he tries to save his best friend, a Pit Bull named Killer, from being wrongly convicted and euthanized for the grisly death of his girlfriend. With zero leads and time running out, Moose has no one to turn to but Antonio Gattogrosso, the infamous Maine Coon cat private investigator known as Fat Tony.

Moose and Tony are joined by cats and dogs alike as they traipse across Chicago in search of evidence to free Killer. Breed and species stereotypes are challenged in this quirky tale that is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat—sometimes in suspense and other times in laughter! This mystery is a fast-paced romp with so many unique and well-rounded characters, you’ll forget they are all animals—we know we did! moderncat.com

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HAPPINESS ISSeniors A and CAT cats make a perfect pairing

By Guy Robertson

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herbet, a female orange tabby, stretches out on Martha’s sofa.

“She’s truly a miniature lion,” says Martha. “When she lounges on my furniture, I recall the lions I saw when my husband and I visited Kenya years ago. We made a day-trip to a game preserve, and saw a pride of lions resting in the shade. When Sherbet gets comfortable, she looks just like those lions. You needn’t look too hard to see the resemblance—the feline attitude and strength in repose.”

Martha’s husband died several years ago. She acquired Sherbet from an acquaintance at a Vancouver, BC seniors’ centre. The acquaintance already had several cats, and decided to give Sherbet to somebody reliable, such as Martha. Sherbet settled into Martha’s apartment with no difficulty.

“She marched into my front room and jumped up on the sofa,” says Martha.

“She gave me a look that told me that she accepted her new home, and then she stretched out and fell asleep.”

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A VET’S ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME OWNERS Martha had never owned a cat, and realized that she needed to learn how to care for Sherbet. Martha took her to a local vet for a checkup, and asked for advice regarding feline nutrition and a proper feeding routine. Fortunately Sherbet was up-to-date with her vaccinations and, aside from a few fleas, she was problem-free.

The vet advised Martha not to overfeed Sherbet.

“He told me that new cat owners can love their animals too much, and stuff them with goodies. I promised that I’d do no such thing, but in the beginning I did. I loved Sherbet from the first moment I saw her. It was so tempting to give her treats.”

But when Sherbet put on weight, Martha disciplined herself and followed the prescribed feeding routine. It was hard at first. She was a lonely widow, and when Sherbet arrived in her life Martha wanted to

She was a lonely widow, and when Sherbet arrived in her life Martha wanted to shower her with affection.

shower her with affection. Luckily Martha realized that the best way to do so was to feed her properly.

SOURCES ON THE SHELVES Another good source of information was the local library. Martha had been a regular patron for decades, but she

had never investigated the library’s collection of cat care materials. The reference librarian directed her to shelves containing books on cat psychology, behaviour, and health.

Martha also learned how to access a plethora of websites concerning cats.

“I relied on the library for an education on cat ownership,” says Martha. “For a senior like me on a limited budget, the library is a godsend.

I learned how to recognize when Sherbet needed the vet’s care, and when she could get by without it. I confess that one time I saw Sherbet sneeze, and took her to the vet later that day. He was very diplomatic, and assured me that Sherbet was as healthy as ever. One sneeze was no indication of a fatal disease.”

ADVANTAGES FOR SENIORS Seniors such as Martha report a number of advantages of owning cats.

First, the presence of a cat can reduce loneliness and isolation—serious threats to a senior’s happiness. When one’s spouse and many friends have moved on or died, a cat can provide welcome company.

“I talk to Sherbet a lot,” says Martha.

“Everybody needs human contact, but I get enough at the seniors’ centre, and it’s nice to come home to Sherbet and tell her what I’ve been up to. And I can gossip with her all I want, and not cause my human friends any grief.

Sherbet knows how to keep a secret.”

Second, for seniors with physical limitations, a cat can be easier to care for than other animals. Martha does

not need to take Sherbet for a walk, or store heavy bags of food for her. It’s not difficult to groom Sherbet and clean her litter box.

“She doesn’t get in the way or under my feet,” says Martha. “She seems to know how to share our space. We both know where we stand with each other, literally and figuratively. Sherbet has enriched my life in so many ways, and I recommend cat ownership to many of my old and older friends. Remember that ad about putting a tiger in your tank? Well, consider putting a little lion in your life.”

Guy Robertson is an Instructor in the Library and Information Technology Program at Langara College in Vancouver, BC.

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The Mystery of the Purr

There’s a lot going on in your cat’s purr— it's not all happiness and it might heal you

By Laura Dennis

P

urrrrrrrr. The sound alone instantly conjures images of a cat-warmed lap, but hidden between those vibrations are fascinating scientific facts and even a little remaining mystery.

Science has yet to be able to say with absolute certainty why cats purr, but the observation that cats purr when they’re happy, relaxed, and feeling good holds true. It’s also true, however, that cats purr when they are hungry, hurt, or scared.

While the purr itself happens during inhalation and exhalation, a cat’s purr begins in the brain. A message is sent to the laryngeal muscles that make up the vocal cords, causing them to twitch at a rate of 25 to 150 vibrations per second. These movements control how much air passes through the vocal cords, producing a purr.

The importance of the purr begins at birth.

For newborn kittens, their mother’s purr is crucial to their very survival. Cats are born blind and deaf but can feel vibrations, which is where the purr comes in—it leads the babies to mom’s body for both nursing and warmth. When kittens find the teats, they do what is known as the milk tread, kneading to stimulate milk flow. Kittens purr in tandem with kneading, and this combo of behaviours, associated feelings of safety and being fed, carries into adulthood. Purring is one of the first things learned by kittens—they start purring at just two days old!

Purring continues into adulthood as a form of communication with both other cats and people. Many cats have learned how to use their purrs to manipulate their hapless owners to their advantage at mealtime. Domestic kitties can produce a plaintive cry similar in frequency to the cry of human babies and they mix this cry in with their purr. This has the dual effect of both irritating their human and also appealing to their nurturing instinct, often resulting in the cat getting fed sooner. A study done by the University of Sussex named this cry-purr hybrid the “soliciting purr.” Clever cats!

It is also commonly held that cats not only purr out of contentment, but to self-soothe. The self-soothing purr can be

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compared to the ways that people sometimes soothe themselves in stressful situations through nervous laughter, tears, or other forms of distraction, like fidgeting.

Some researchers even contend that there may be actual healing properties associated with the frequency of a purr’s vibration. Vets have observed cats lying together and purring when one is under the weather, giving what looks like purr therapy. Experts in scientific and sports medicine have for years recognized that vibrations can cause healing and regeneration in bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. High frequency vibrations increase production of the body’s natural anti-inflammatories, which reduces joint pain and swelling and repair muscles. Vibration therapy is also used to prevent bone loss by contracting and relaxing muscles to stimulate the production of osteoblasts, the cells that produce bone. Given that purrs vibrate at 25 to 150 hertz, which is within the range of frequency that aids in tissue regeneration and pain relief and increases bone density, purr therapy doesn’t seem like much of a stretch.

Researchers initially investigated the healing properties of purrs due to the observation that cats will purr when in labour, scared, and even right before death. Since the act of purring takes a lot of energy, there must be a reason that cats continue to do it when their bodies have shut down all non-essential activity due to pain or trauma. Researchers in the field of bioacoustics (the study of the frequency, pitch, volume and duration of animal sounds as they relate to behaviour) theorized that the purr must be of survival and evolutionary advantage.

The great news for cat owners is that these healing properties may work on us. The therapeutic effects from purring have been shown to lower blood pressure, stress, and problems associated with nerves and anxiety. The combination of stroking a cat and hearing/feeling the vibrations helps us to relax. Incredibly, a ten-year study at the University of Minnesota Stroke Center found that cat owners were a whopping 40 percent less likely to have heart attacks than non-cat owners. Time for a purr-inducing cuddle session! n

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Upside Down Cats Brighten your day with this collection of cuties!

Tuxedo

Chester

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Boswell

Pepper

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Zombie

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